New online forum lets local residents have their say

A new online forum which will let residents have their say on the plans for a former coke works and mining site in South Yorkshire has been set up.

Property and energy company UK COAL is encouraging people to visit the Waverley Community website to put across any issues they may have concerning the multi-million pound development proposals. An outline planning application is to be submitted this summer.

UK COAL wants to redevelop the site at Waverley over 25 years, into a sustainable mixed use community, including approximately 4,000 houses, community facilities and green areas.

Pat Wade, Waverley Liaison Group spokesperson, said: The consultation forum lets the local residents download a feedback form. We are encouraging that people in surrounding areas visit the website to fill one in, but also to find out everything there is to know about the project.

The website is an important part of the consultation exercise. It is an excellent way for the public to find the information they need instantly and complements the printed material, ongoing consultation drop-in sessions and presentations extremely well.

The website also presents information on the history of the site, plus planned residential development, social and leisure facilities, environmental issues including sustainability, air quality, drainage, transport links and green space benefits for the residents.

John Dunshea, head of the planning department at Atisreal's Sheffield office, said: During the entire consultation process we have encouraged the community to tell us their views on the development plans at Waverley, whether it’s positive or negative.

The online consultation forum is another medium for local residents to have their say. We want to make it as easy as possible for everyone to give us feedback, especially as some have been unable to attend the consultation events.

Feedback forms can also be filled in at one of the remaining public consultation meetings, scheduled for:

Wednesday 18 June, 5pm-7pm, St James Church, Woodhouse, drop in Tuesday 24 June, 5pm-7pm, Treeton Reading Rooms, drop in. Thursday 3 July, 5.30pm-7.30pm, Aston Parish Hall, 5.30pm-6.30pm drop in, 6.30pm presentation.